Flower
Lesser Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea glabraAlso known as Paperflower, Paper Flower
Lesser bougainvillea scrambles over walls and trellises using sharp, recurved thorns, creating vibrant cascades of colorful foliage. The brilliant magenta, purple, or pink patches are actually modified leaves called bracts, which shelter tiny, creamy-white tubular flowers within. Native to South America, this sun-loving woody vine thrives in warm climates and has become one of the most widely cultivated ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical regions.
ClimbingFloweringTropical
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic
Predators
- Caterpillars
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
ThreatsFreezing temperatures, root rot, severe waterlogging
HabitatsSubtropical scrub, tropical coastal zones, urban gardens
Life span20–50 years
Classification
- OrderCaryophyllales
- FamilyNyctaginaceae
- GenusBougainvillea
- SpeciesBougainvillea glabra
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp thorns and sap can cause skin irritation; wear gloves when pruning.
Responsible observation
- Pruning: Wear protective gloves and long sleeves to guard against sharp thorns and sap.
- Sunlight: Place in full sun for six or more hours daily to maximize colorful bract production.
- Watering: Keep soil slightly dry between waterings, as drought stress triggers richer blooming.
Close Relative Forest & Kim Starr / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Manuel Roncal · cc0
Family Relative (c) Ricard Busquets Reverte, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ricard Busquets Reverte · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.